2017 Women in Professional Services: Karen Strom of Schroder & Strom, LLP

Name: Karen Strom, Esq.

Title: Partner

Company Name: Schroder & Strom, LLP

Years in real estate: 28+

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? New York State Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Nassau County Bar Association Condemnation Law & Tax Certiorari Section, Institute for Professionals in Taxation, American Bar Association, annual author of ABA Property Tax Deskbook New York Chapter, Women Economic Developers of Long Island

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? My perseverance and tenacity are great strengths in my field. I started in the real estate industry well before attending law school - - working after school at age 17 for a real estate office. After years of working for others, I founded my tax certiorari law firm with my law partner and have seen it grow from three people to 30 over the past 17 years. I have developed relationships throughout New York State, but especially on Long Island, with other professionals in the real estate industry which has led to our large client base. Our clients know that I am always working in their best interest to reduce the taxes on their commercial and residential properties. As a woman in the field, I have always pushed my way up the ladder. 

What trends are you seeing so far this year? The number of businesses and individuals grieving their taxes continue to increase every year. Nassau County recently saw an increase of 18.2% in property tax appeals this year. New Yorkers, and specifically, Long Islanders, are realizing now that real estate taxes should not be considered a “fixed expense.” They can do something to reduce their taxes by challenging them on an annual basis. For many businesses, this significantly affects the bottom line. 

What do you do for fun? I enjoy music, travel, playing golf, reading, spending time with family and giving back to the community.